02Oct2022

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1764 Old Chattanooga Pike SW Cleveland, TN 37311

info@lifebridgesonline.com

+1 (423) 472 5268

Author: Karen Kelley
Home Articles Posted by Karen Kelley
NEWS
September 24, 2022

September 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges has celebrated DSP’s (Direct Support Professionals) this past week! DSP’s support people every day in community activities, employment, and learning to be more independent. They never give up on assisting people to work on their goals and helping people reach their dreams.

They help people live with greater meaning and fulfillment. We acknowledge their hard work and dedication in helping others live their best life!


We couldn’t do it without you!!!

Vickie Batzka, Clifton Weaver’s sister, asked me to CHALLENGE those who love the agency to give a monthly gift through a bank draft. She is the only person who currently does this and she says her gift is small, but to me by giving every month she is able to give more than many could give at one time. So, if you accept the challenge – let me know…

djackson@lifebridgesonline.com.

Wishing you a happy and blessed fall season!

 

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Miracle League Fall Schedule

Blue Springs Ball Field C

Saturday, Sept. 24

10am Pirates vs. Reds

11:15am Dodgers vs. Braves

12:30pm A’s vs. Giants

Saturday, Oct.1

10am Reds vs. A’s

11:15am Giants vs. Braves

12:30pm Pirates vs. Dodgers

Saturday, Oct. 8

10am Giants vs. Pirates

11:15am A’s vs. Braves

12:30pm Reds vs Dodgers

Saturday, Oct. 15

10am Dodgers vs. A’s

11:15am Braves vs. Pirates

12:30pm Reds vs. Giants

DSP Spotlight

Not Pictured: Yesia Pitner (Day Services)

By Karen Kelley
NEWS
August 19, 2022

August 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

We send a huge thank you to David and Kim Luzader, First Baptist Church, VEC Customers Share and the Life Bridges team for making Camp Cherokee happen this year. It was AMAZING!

Employment is an important part of the lives of the people supported by Life Bridges. The money earned brings increased buying power that includes trips, eating out, and community activities. Working in the community brings increased self–confidence, the opportunity to learn new things, and new friendships. Currently, we support people who work at the following places:

  • Blythe Bower School
  • Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe
  • Hampton Inn
  • Lowe’s
  • YMCA
  • Tennessee Department of Transportation
  • Bojangles
  • McDonalds
  • Lubing Systems
  • Burger King – APD 40
  • Lee University
  • Sodexo
  • Aalberts Surface Technologies
  • Home Depot

I encourage you to frequent these businesses and let them know you support the hiring of people with disabilities.

2023 will be the agency’s 50th year of providing services. More to come on this – but we will plan to celebrate all year long!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Volunteer Energy Cooperative

Life Bridges Receives Grant

Life Bridges was awarded a grant from the VEC Customers Share Foundation to help with funding for Individuals Supported to attend Camp Cherokee 2022. Receiving the grant is Diana Jackson (L) from VEC Board Member.

Life Bridges Supportive Employment Team

Featured in TN DIDD Newsletter

Pictured L to R: Jeff Harden, Bill Reynolds, JoAnn Mintz and Tim Purifory. Not pictured: Chloe Tatum

The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities highlighted Life Bridges’ Supportive Employment Team in their August Employment Innovation Newsletter. The team’s focus each day is to connect with employers willing to train and coach individuals that desire employment and are able to work and be paid a competitive wage while offering opportunities for growth.

Camp Cherokee 2022

Thank you to our amazing team for making Camp Cherokee 2022 fun and memorable!
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
July 13, 2022

July 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Yes, it is that time again – First Baptist Church Camp at Parksville Lake led by David Luzader! So many of the people we support are excited about their vacation at this special camping event designed just for them. Life Bridges partners with First Baptist Church to provide several days of fun, music, boating, tubing, swimming, fishing, and FOOD!!! Camp dates this year are August 2–4.

Life Bridges is proud to have over 400 employees who work hard and give of themselves at a high level due to staffing shortages. The dedication of many staff is shown when they work to fill openings when they need to rest. It is amazing how many people go the extra mile regularly and may be overlooked because they do not complain. I encourage everyone to thank a Direct Support Professional and let them know how much you appreciate them. If you know someone who would be a good addition to our amazing team, please refer them. Applications are available at www.lifebridgesonline.com or call 423–303–1899.

SPRING FLING UPDATE: Tables are being sold for the Spring Fling/March 2023 event. Table costs range from $1,000 to $5,000. Please call Karen Kelley if you would like to discuss opportunities. (423) 421–4129 or email to: kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com

2023 will be the agency’s 50th year of providing services. More to come on this – but we will plan to celebrate all year long!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Save the Date:

Miracle Baseball League

Sign up for fall play in August and September

Saturday mornings

For information call:
Carolyn Kimsey
(423) 650-2218

Staff Meeting

Tuesday, July 19, 2022
 1:30PM – 2:30PM

HOC

Camp Cherokee 2022

August 2 – 4

Independence Day - 2022
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
June 16, 2022

June 2022 Newsletter

Happy Fourth of July!

Independence Day Celebration with Family and Friends!
July 2 from 11AM-2PM
At Life Bridges’ Main Campus
Food, Games, Fellowship

Click here for more information. . .

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges recently became accredited by CQL, The Council on Quality and Leadership, a national accreditation. CQL Accreditation promotes excellence in person–centered services and supports that lead to increased quality of life. It is about continuous improvement. CQL Accreditation facilitates organizational development in person–centered services and supports and personal quality of life outcomes. Agency staff worked hard to evaluate current proce- dures and developed new strategies to better meet the needs of individuals. Several people who receive supports from Life Bridges are participating in focus groups and have added a great deal to the discussions as the agency grows and moves forward.

SPRING FLING UPDATE: Tables are being sold for the Spring Fling/March 2023 event. Table costs range from $1,000 to $5,000. Please call Karen Kelley if you would like to discuss opportunities. (423) 421–4129 .


2023 will be the agency’s 50th year of providing services. More to come on this – but we will plan to celebrate all year long!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Save the Date:

Independence Day Celebration with Family and Friends

Saturday, July 2, 2022
11:00AM – 2:00PM

Games, Food and FUN

Life Bridges – Main Center

More Info. . .

Staff Meeting

Tuesday, July 19, 2022
 1:30PM – 2:30PM

HOC

Camp Cherokee 2022

August 2 – 4

Life Bridges Medical Clinic

Just a reminder:

The medical clinic is available for staff & immediate family members, weekdays for physicals or acute illness.

Call Rachelle for an appointment:

423–303–1946

Or Main Office:

423–303–1959

Interested in playing baseball?

Cleveland’s Miracle Baseball League is signing up individuals for fall play in August and September on Saturday mornings.
 
Call Carolyn Kimsey:
423-650-2218
 
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
May 12, 2022

May 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Special Olympics was held on a beautiful day and the celebration of athletes was so meaningful. All were encouraged and honored for their efforts and progress since our last event which was in 2019. A good friend of mine who participated in the 100 meter race and the softball throw said of himself, “I am amazing!” That is truly what it is all about!

The 2nd Annual Spring Fling fundraiser was both a hit and a success! The event was well attended and those present enjoyed the live auction, silent auction, and band. Also, many donated cash, at the encouragement of Steve Hixson, auctioneer. Tables are sold for this event and if you would like to purchase a table for the 2023 event, please let me know. Thank you to all of our partners who work hard for the people we support!

2023 will be the agency’s 50th year of providing services. More to come on this – but we will plan to celebrate all year long!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Question & Answer

What is CQL?

Teresa Tuten, Director ICF

As a provider of supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Life Bridges always seek to enhance the quality of supports. We are entering a new adventure on our journey to excellence as we seek certification by the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). Many people in our field of work consider CQL to be the golden standard of excellence. According to their website, they have been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older
adults with intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disabilities since 1969.

CQL Vision

The vision of CQL is a world of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.

CQL Mission

CQL is dedicated to the definition, measurement, and improvement of personal quality of life.

CQL has a two pronged focus. First, there are high systemic expectations. Systems include our written policies and procedures. The second prong of focus is on practice. It is not enough to have policies and procedures that meet CQL standards. We must also have staff, especially supervisors and DSPs who live out those policies and procedures. CQL standards also set the bar high in the level of participation of the people we support and their families and friends at every level of our organization from input into policy making to issues of everyday living.

These new standards both affirm our strengths and challenge us to look outside the box for ways to grow. Please let us know if you have questions and know that you will hear more as we move through this journey.

Thanks for all you do to help us grow, develop, and THRIVE as a provider agency!

Special Olympics 2022
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
April 19, 2022

April 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

A highlight of this year for the people supported at Life Bridges is Special Olympics! After two years of cancelation due to the pandemic many are practicing and getting ready for the big competition. The event will take place at Cleveland Middle School, track and field area, April 23rd, and the parade line up will be at 9:30 on the field. Come and support our community of athletes and the games sponsored by our local Civitan Club.

The 2nd Annual Spring Fling fundraiser was both a hit and a success! The event was well attended and those present enjoyed the live auction, silent auction, and band. Also, many donated cash, at the encouragement of Steve Hixson, auctioneer. Tables are sold for this event and if you would like to purchase a table for the 2023 event, please let me know. Thank you to all of our partners who work hard for the people we support!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

HIRING NOW

LIFE BRIDGES IS HIRING!
We have Nursing and Direct Support Professional positions open.
1ST, 2ND and 3RD SHIFTS AVAILABLE
CALL HUMAN RESOURCES AT: 423-303-1873 OR APPLY ONLINE.
Employment

Save the Date:

Easter Party

Saturday, April 6, 2022
2:00PM

Egg Hunt, Games & Snacks

Life Bridges – Hunt Center

Special Olympics

Saturday, April 23, 2022
Rain Date, April 30, 2022

Parade Lineup, 9:30AM
Games Begin, 10:00AM

Cleveland Middle School
Track and Field

Family Meeting

Tuesday, May 3, 2022
5:00PM

Dinner Provided

Life Bridges – Hunt Center

2022 Easter Egg Hunt

Enjoyed by friends and family of Life Bridges
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
February 17, 2022

February 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

A highlight of this year was the Life Bridges Annual Staff Awards Day. We celebrated many employees with 5 to 30 years of service. Employees of the year and CEO Choices of the year were also named. Later in February all will be featured in a large Banner article with pictures and awards.

It is amazing the longevity that is represented among our staff. Cheri Williamson is the staff member with the most tenure. This is her 39th year of service. She is a “rock” who has stood through changing times, three directors, and hundreds of staff. Gail Miller was celebrated for 30 years of service. We currently have 458 employees which is 20 less than last year.

If you would like to donate a boxed cake from a bakery or bakery like Publix we are accepting them for our Spring Fling Fundraiser on March 25th . They can be donated by noon on that day either at the Cleveland Country Club or at Life Bridges Main Office.

Our Annual Giving Campaign earned over $15,000 and we appreciate all of you for your contributions! Some of you are even giving monthly – we are very grateful!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Staff Awards Day

2021 Employee Recognition

Spirit of Life Bridges is Elizabeth Jarrett; pictured l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Jaime Sanders-Residential Director, Elizabeth Jarrett and Diana Jackson-CEO
Employee of the Year goes to Denise Hope: pictured l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Jaime Sanders-Residential Director, Denise Hope and Diana Jackson-CEO
Directors Choice Awards: seated l to r: Beverly Mayfield, Chloe Norwood, Brittany Brown, Jessica Burns standing l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Christian Garcia, Harley Buchtel, Diana Jackson-CEO not pictured; Zayden Zembree
30 Years of Service: l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Gail Miller, Diana Jackson-CEO
25 Years of Service: l to r: Diana Jackson-CEO and Cristi Waters not pictured: Sandy Whittington, Tonia Watson
20 Years of Service: l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Mary LIndsey, Debra Hayes, Lori Price accepting for Don Price, Kelli Wilkey, Diana Jackson-CEO
15 Years of Service: l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Roni Rawls, Ersina Aunu, Sonia Marsh, Hope Scott, Diana Jackson-CEO not pictured: Jai'Noah Aikens, Kayla Carroll, Vicky Clark, Janet Davis, Daphne Goldston, Barbara Hardin, Deloris Murphy, William Simpson, Ida Young
10 Years of Service: seated l to r: Ryan Dempsey, Semyon Kanarski, Aaron Moser standing l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Stella Ivakhov, Sara Jones, Shirley Cochran, Tanya Martin, Diana Jackson-CEO
not pictured: Dakota Anderson, Joe Brown, Tamai Oatman, Dorthy Phillips, Jo Ann Smith, Ana Terrero, Emily Tuten, Heidi Willis, Cindy Wilson, Colton Wilson, Zayden Zembree
10 Years of Service: l to r: Dr. Brown, Heather Cooper, Diana Jackson
10 Years of Service: l to r: Dr. Raymond Brown-Board of Directors President, Debra Wittmaier, Elizabeth Jarrett, Diana Jackson-CEO
5 Years of Service: seated l-r: Debra Bates, Jamie Lowder, Stephanie Kruse standing l-r: Dr. Brown, Jerry Solomon, Timothy Purifory, Lisa Bolin, David Tuten, Brittany Brown, Crystal Jones, Diana Jackson
not pictured: Caryn Anderson, Joshua Bullard, Shannon Cross, Brittany Crowder, Janet Dial, Briasha Garner, Ashley Hartman, Makayla Hightshoe, Pamala Lankford, Alexis Prince, Bozena Wentland
Staff of the Quarter July-Sept. L to R: Dr. Brown with Rita Hart, Julie Theriot, Tiffany Whaley, Scott Payne , Diana Jackson
Not pictured: Emily Tuten, Jennifer Wright, Jason Boling, Ecco Ford
Staff of Quarter Oct-Dec. Seated L to R: Denise Hope, Mary Lindsey, Meghan Baliles Standing l-r: Dr. Brown with Christine Campbell, Felicia Martin, Carol Marie, Diana Jackson
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
January 23, 2022

January 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Happy New Year to all of our Life Bridges Partners!

The New Year has brought many changes including: weather, retirements, and employment opportunities for many. The Life Bridges Team celebrated Lionel Scotton and Jackie Laginess as they both retired with 19 and 20 years of service, respectively. They will both be greatly missed and in many ways they are irreplaceable. They will remain a part of the Life Bridges family (we do not let go easily), as we plan to see them at future milestones and gatherings.

The future is bright with many employment opportunities for the people we support. The current job market has provided openings that companies have partnered with us to fill. It is common to speak with a person supported who is talking about what they plan to do with their new earnings. There are many challenges that we look forward to working through this year. Next month I will be sharing with you some successes in tough times.

Wishing you the best in 2022!
Our Annual Giving Campaign is ongoing and we welcome your contribution!
Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Lionel Scotton Retires

In recognition and appreciation for 19.5 years of dedication and caring service to the citizens of our community with intellectual disabilities. We celebrate your dedication as a Residential Director, Residential Supervisor and as a Direct Support Professional. Your concern and compassion for the staff and the individuals you support are an inspiration to us all.

We will miss you, Lionel!

2021 - Year in Photo Review. . .
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
December 19, 2021

December 2021 Newsletter

Merry Christmas to all of our Life Bridges Partners!

I trust you will be with friends or family during the Christmas holiday.

December 2, 2021 was a beautiful day in every way. The weather, the people who came, and the words that were spoken were all perfect. On this day the Life Bridges main campus was dedicated to founding board member, Ralph D. Summers. What a joy it was to stand with his family, the board of directors, staff, people supported, and community leaders as we spoke of his dreams and love for the agency. Ralph and his wife, Sue, worked for nearly 50 years to see that people with intellectual disabilities in our community would have a place to live, work, and socialize. They offered their expertise and skills to make Life Bridges what it is today. It reminded me that –One person really can make a difference!

 

To you and yours we wish you the best Christmas holiday ever and we welcome 2022!
Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Ralph D. Summers Main Campus Dedication, December 2, 2021
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
November 21, 2021

November 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Life Bridges Partners! I trust you will be with friends or family during Thanksgiving holiday. We miss our large Thanksgiving/Christmas meal at Cleveland High School with all of you, but hopefully next year we can join together again.

When I think of the many things that I am thankful for I think of Ralph and Sue Summers. Ralph was a founding board member and served the agency for 48 years. We will be dedicating the main campus to him on December 2, 2021. I would like to invite you to join us at the middle entrance at the main Life Bridges campus located at 764 Old Chattanooga Pike at 12:00 Noon on this day. We will share sentiments of appreciation and see the addition to the sign in his honor.

To you and yours we wish you the best Thanksgiving holiday ever.
Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Congratulations to: (l to r) Kelsey Nickels, Sara Jones and Jaime Sanders

Life Bridges team receives SHIFT Tech First accreditation! The goal of SHIFT is to use technology to identify areas of a person’s life where technology can be used in place of or alongside paid support, allowing the person to participate more actively in their day to day activities. Life Bridges hope is that this program will allow the agency to continue to succeed in their mission – to bridge the gap for people with disabilities, and to be one of the many voices advocating for increased independence for those they support.

Thankful!
By Karen Kelley